Architecture News

Coco Brandolini d'Adda, the creative force behind the fashion brand d'AddA and a descendant of distinguished tastemakers, offers a glimpse into her Milan residence. The apartment, shared with her husband, Matteo Colombo, and their three daughters, serves as a testament to her eclectic collecting habits and deep appreciation for craftsmanship. What began as a cozy three-bedroom space has gracefully evolved through an expansion, seamlessly integrating a professional studio and a more spacious dining area, reflecting Brandolini d'Adda's personal and professional journey.

Coco Brandolini d'Adda's Eclectic Milan Abode

In her Milan apartment, the founder of the fashion label d'AddA, Coco Brandolini d'Adda, stands proudly before an antique French cabinet in her vibrant living room. This particular piece, she explains, is just one of her many "cabinets of curiosities." Within its depths reside an array of treasured items: delicate Murano glass vases, gifts from her Venetian grandfather; a striking artwork by Alighiero Boetti, acquired after her move to Milan; and a miniature brass-and-bronze bird, a creation of the renowned Milanese designer Gabriella Crespi, whom Brandolini d'Adda deeply admires for her embodiment of Italian artistry in a male-dominated field.

Her passion for collecting extends beyond this single cabinet. A nearby glass-topped chest, custom-made by Dimorestudio, houses an assortment of small jewel boxes and even a rare Fabergé spoon. The recently expanded apartment, renovated with the assistance of her childhood friend, London-based AD100 interior designer Leonora Hamill, now provides ample space for her diverse acquisitions. These include rich textiles sourced from Bhutan and Uzbekistan, vintage fabrics adorning family heirloom furniture alongside pieces by Gio Ponti, and artworks by Francesco Clemente and Andrea Bowers. A 1940s Russian tea service, a unique screen by Lilou Marquand, and a collection of plates discovered during a Greek holiday further enrich the home's narrative. Her philosophy on decor is as unconventional as her finds, valuing an object's intrinsic appeal over its origin, exemplified by a lamp she proudly retrieved from the street.

The apartment's expansion was a response to the growing family, which now includes three daughters: Nina, Lea, and Cora. What began as an intimate three-bedroom dwelling, cherished for its coziness, transformed to accommodate the family's needs. The acquisition of an adjacent apartment allowed each daughter to enjoy her own bedroom, fostering a more harmonious environment. The former living room was reimagined into a generous dining space, now comfortably seating fourteen, a significant upgrade from the days when Brandolini d'Adda would host gatherings of thirty or forty people in a more confined setting, proving that while atmosphere always prevailed, space certainly adds to comfort. The ultimate luxury of this expansion is the dedicated in-house design studio for d'AddA, her artisanal, by-appointment-only fashion label, launched in 2022. This creative sanctuary allows her to work in the tranquil morning hours before her team arrives.

Born and raised in Paris, Brandolini d'Adda's aesthetic was shaped by a lineage of stylish women. Her grandmother, Countess Cristiana Brandolini d'Adda, was celebrated for her elegant taste, notably commissioning design legend Renzo Mongiardino for a Parisian residence. Her mother, Georgina, dedicated years to working with Valentino. Brandolini d'Adda's own career began with an eight-year tenure under Oscar de la Renta, who became her mentor and a profound source of inspiration. Following her return to Europe, she contributed her talents to Alberta Ferretti and Tomas Maier at Bottega Veneta, before spending a decade at Dolce & Gabbana, where Domenico Dolce encouraged her to establish her own brand, recognizing her distinctive personal style. He urged her to embrace her heritage, a narrative she initially sought to avoid, but ultimately found liberating and authentic, resonating deeply with those who appreciate honesty in design.

The journey of Coco Brandolini d'Adda serves as a compelling narrative, reminding us that a home is more than just a structure; it's a living canvas that evolves with its inhabitants. Her dedication to collecting, her appreciation for diverse cultures, and her commitment to preserving family legacies resonate deeply. It's a powerful testament to the idea that true style is a deeply personal expression, a carefully curated reflection of one's life, experiences, and passions. This story inspires us to look beyond trends and embrace authenticity, to find beauty in the unconventional, and to allow our personal spaces to truly tell our unique stories.

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are once again attempting to sell their Los Angeles residence, marking the fifth time in three years they have sought to offload their coastal property. The duo initially placed the home on the market for $32 million in 2023, but the current asking price has been significantly reduced to $20 million. Acquired by Pratt for $15.6 million in June 2018, around the beginning of his relationship with Schwarzenegger, the then-unfinished property underwent an extensive two-year renovation by the 'Parks and Recreation' alum and his wife, an author and the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

While the property retains some of its original Mediterranean-inspired architectural features, such as curved red roof tiles, the 11,000-square-foot estate now showcases a minimalist, contemporary interior design, incorporating natural wood and stone elements. The residence features six bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, with a grand living room highlighted by a sleek fireplace. Luxury amenities include a fully equipped gym, a teakwood spa, a private movie theater, and a golf simulator. The extensive backyard offers a saltwater swimming pool, a hot tub, and a resort-style cabana with an outdoor kitchen and a basketball half-court. Situated between the ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, the home provides breathtaking views of Santa Monica Bay and the illuminated Palos Verdes coastline.

The couple has embarked on a new chapter, constructing their next dream home in Brentwood. They purchased a property for $12.5 million in 2023, conveniently located across the street from Maria Shriver's estate. This acquisition was met with some public criticism, as they chose to demolish the original house on the site—a historic 1950s midcentury-modern design by architect Craig Ellwood, known as the Zimmerman House—to make way for a new custom-built mansion. Plans for the new residence reportedly include a sprawling 15,000-square-foot, two-story home designed by architect Ken Ungar. While construction is ongoing, Pratt and Schwarzenegger temporarily resided at Katy Perry's Montecito estate, which itself has been the subject of a protracted legal battle. Shana Tavangarian and Zac Mostame of Carolwood Estates are managing the listing for the Los Angeles property.

This ongoing journey in real estate reflects the couple's evolving needs and aspirations, demonstrating a clear vision for their living spaces. Despite the challenges and occasional public scrutiny, their commitment to creating an ideal home environment, whether through renovation or new construction, highlights a proactive and forward-thinking approach to life's significant investments. Their pursuit of personal and familial comfort, balanced with a desire for cutting-edge design and amenities, inspires us to continually seek environments that enrich our lives and align with our evolving dreams.